Question for landlords, letting agents, and people who do check-out inventories ...

[rodentforce]

At the end of a tenancy, what are the main things that a tenant overlooks and that results in deductions from their deposit?

After years of renting, FINALLY I'm buying somewhere and about to move out of my rental. I'm cleaning the house myself, and am really anxious about ensuring that I do all I can to ensure that I return it in a satisfactory condition. But also afraid of neglecting to do something obvious! Would be grateful for advice from 'the other side' - people who end up having to fix things caused by tenants.

Writing this while having a rest and a cuppa after scrubbing the bathroom grout with a toothbrush dipped in bleach ...

Inside the window frames x

Detergent drawers and door seals in washing machines, door edges and filters in dishwashers. Window frames especially if the property has a tendency to develop mould. The metal Filter covers for the extractor canopy over the hob.

If you are scrubbing grout with a toothbrush it doesn't sound as if you will be missing much OP.

Cleaning the carpets properly
Cleaning the fridge and oven properly

Fridge, wash g machine, shower, carpets, oven

Behind the backs of standing appliances if the landlord owns them; door seals of dishwasher, washer, dryer and oven; light fittings; curtain rails; back of toilet (round u bend); door and window frames; and, lastly, fire and carbon monoxide alarms.

Ah, thanks everyone! The only one of those that I might have overlooked is the inside of window frames - I did those this afternoon, before I forgot 😁

Take pics as evidence that things are looking good, Just In Case. Doesn't cost you anything and might benefit you if your landlord decides to be an arse.

Clean the windows inside?

I would probably pay someone to do outside, but only because my neighbour has a window cleaner that charges £6.

I do the ground floor outside myself, but not the 1st floor.